Ava Monroe
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that can be challenging to treat. It occurs when fungi that usually live harmlessly on the skin multiply and infect the nails, causing discolouration, thickening, and distortion. While antifungal treatments are available, they can take several months to work, and even then, the fungus may return. In some cases, severe infections may require nail removal, with a new nail taking up to a year to grow back.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for fingernail to grow out | 4 to 6 months |
| Time taken for toenail to grow out | 12 to 18 months |
| Time taken for nail to grow back after surgical removal | Up to a year |
| Time taken for antifungal pills to cure infection under the fingernails | 2 months |
| Time taken for antifungal pills to cure toenail fungal infection | 3 months |
| Time taken for topical antifungal medication to work | 6 weeks for fingernails, 12 weeks for toenails |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernail fungus treatment
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that can develop when fungi enter and spread in your nails. It can cause gradual thickening and discolouration of the nail, and left untreated, it can become a chronic condition. While anyone can get fingernail fungus, you may be more susceptible if you have a weakened immune system, athlete's foot, blood circulation problems, or a recent nail injury or nail surgery.
If you suspect you have a fingernail fungal infection, it is important to seek medical advice. Your doctor will examine your nails and may take samples for testing in a lab. Treatment for fingernail fungus typically involves oral antifungal medications, which are more effective than topical treatments. These pills can clear the infection in two months, although they may cause side effects, and your doctor will monitor you closely. During treatment, it is important to remember to take the medication as directed by your doctor.
In addition to oral medication, your doctor may recommend a topical medicine that you apply directly to the nail. This can help keep new fungus out while your nail grows. Laser treatment is another option, although it is less effective than medication. In severe cases, your doctor may suggest removing the nail as a last resort. This can be done surgically or non-surgically with chemicals. However, it will take at least a year for a new, healthy nail to grow back.
Even with successful treatment, fingernail fungus can return. To reduce the risk of recurrence, it is important to maintain good general health and hygiene. Keep your skin clean and dry, and avoid sharing tools used for manicures and pedicures. Additionally, follow your doctor's instructions and continue treatment as directed, even if the infection appears to have cleared.
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Toenail fungus treatment
Toenail fungus, or mycotic nail, is a fungal infection that affects your toenails or fingernails. It separates the nail from the nail bed, making it thick and fragile, and may change its colour. While it is not a serious condition, it can be unsightly and challenging to treat.
Treatment Options:
- Antifungal Medication: Antifungal pills are the most common treatment for toenail fungus. Itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil) are two popular options, with the latter also available as a cream or gel. These medications are typically taken for 12 weeks, but the fungus may not be completely gone for 10 months or longer. It is important to note that these medications can have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches, and should be closely monitored by a doctor.
- Topical Treatments: While less effective than oral medications, topical antifungal treatments can be applied directly to the nail. These include creams, gels, sprays, and patches, which are available without a prescription. However, these treatments may take months to work and are best suited for mild cases of toenail fungus.
- Laser Treatment: Laser treatment is an option for those who want to avoid the side effects of oral medication. The laser heats up the nail layers, destroying the fungus's genetic material. While it may take a few months to see results, this treatment is not covered by insurance.
- Nail Removal: In severe cases, or when other treatments are ineffective, a doctor may recommend removing all or part of the infected nail. This can be done surgically or non-surgically. For non-surgical treatment, a doctor will apply urea ointment to the nail surface and wrap it in plastic and tape.
- Natural Remedies: Some natural remedies for toenail fungus include vinegar soaks, baking soda soaks or pastes, and Listerine mouthwash. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments may not be supported by extensive research.
Prevention:
To prevent toenail fungus, it is important to maintain good general health and hygiene practices. Avoid sharing manicure and pedicure tools, and keep your skin clean and dry. Additionally, avoid wearing shoes that don't have ventilation, and treat any underlying conditions such as athlete's foot or blood circulation problems.
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Nail removal
A fungal nail infection, or onychomycosis, is an infection caused by a fungus that affects your toenails or fingernails. It can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed, thicken, become fragile, and change colour. While antifungal medication is the first line of treatment, in some cases of severe infection or treatment failure, nail removal may be recommended to get rid of the infection.
Types of Nail Removal
There are two main types of nail removal procedures:
- Nonsurgical nail removal: This involves applying a strong chemical to the nail to dissolve it.
- Surgical nail removal: This involves surgically removing the infected toenail or fingernail.
Both procedures can be performed in a medical office or clinic, and you won't need to stay in the hospital. However, it's important to note that nail removal requires wound care, and the recovery process can take some time.
Nail Regrowth
After nail removal, a new, healthy nail will gradually grow in its place. Fingernails typically take 4 to 6 months to grow back, while toenails can take 12 to 18 months. In some cases, it may take up to a year for a new nail to fully grow back.
Preventing Recurrence
It's important to note that fungal nail infections can recur, even after successful treatment. To prevent the infection from returning, follow these steps:
- Disinfect your bathroom tiles with bleach.
- Wear socks with your shoes.
- Avoid going barefoot, especially in public places.
- Use shower shoes instead.
- Maintain good general health and hygiene practices.
- Do not share tools used for manicures and pedicures.
- Keep your skin clean and dry.
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Laser treatment
A fungal nail infection, or mycotic nail, can affect both the fingernails and toenails. It causes the nail to separate from the nail bed, resulting in thickened, fragile nails that may change colour. While antifungal medications are often used to treat these infections, laser treatment has emerged as a promising alternative, particularly for toenail fungus.
There are currently two types of laser devices used for this treatment: blue light lasers and carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. Both have proven effective in treating toenail fungus infections. A 2016 clinical study found that patients treated with these lasers showed clear nails three and six months after treatment, with a 91% improvement in symptoms after six months.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) notes that more research is needed to establish the safety and effectiveness of laser treatment for nail fungus. However, a 2019 meta-analysis suggested that laser therapy can be both effective and safe, with CO2 laser therapy achieving the best overall results. The overall success rate was about 63%, slightly lower than medication treatments, but laser therapy may be preferable due to the risk of side effects associated with medication.
Cost
The cost of laser treatment for nail fungus can vary depending on several factors, and it typically ranges from $200 to $700 per session. Insurance may not cover the procedure as it may be considered cosmetic.
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Antifungal medication
Fingernail fungus is a stubborn condition that can take four to six months to grow out. Toenail fungus takes even longer, usually 12 to 18 months.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several systemic (works throughout the body) oral medications to treat nail fungus:
- Griseofulvin (Fulvicin®)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil®)
- Itraconazole (Sporanox®)
- Posaconazole (Noxafil)
Terbinafine is the most effective option, with a 76% cure rate, and the fewest side effects. Common side effects may include headaches, skin rash, and vomiting. Itraconazole is generally used if the nail infection is caused by yeast or mold and has a 63% cure rate.
Oral antifungal medication is typically taken for six weeks for fingernails and 12 weeks for toenails. In some cases, continuous treatment of antifungal pills may be taken for up to three months.
Topical antifungal treatments are also available, but they are less effective than oral medications. These include over-the-counter antifungal creams like clotrimazole (Mycelex) and prescription nail polishes. While these treatments are a good option for people with mild cases or those who can't take oral antifungals, they are not effective for severe infections because they don't penetrate the nail well.
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Frequently asked questions
Fingernail fungus can take between 4 to 6 months to grow out.
Toenail fungus takes longer to grow out, usually taking 12 to 18 months.
There are various treatment options for nail fungus, including topical medications, oral antifungal pills or tablets, and laser treatments. Topical medications are applied directly to the nail, while oral antifungal pills work throughout the body. Laser treatments emit high doses of light energy to destroy the fungus.
To prevent fingernail and toenail fungus from growing, it is important to maintain good general health and hygiene. Keep your skin clean and dry, and do not share tools used for manicures and pedicures. Additionally, early detection and treatment of nail fungus can help stop its progression and prevent further growth.
